The Triple Crown World Series will be coming to Escondido Tuesday July 12th to Saturday July 16th. This year’s annual Triple Crown World Series will host the 10u girls fast pitch division. They will have 43 teams from all over California, Arizona, and Texas. All games will be played at Kit Carson Park on the youth and adult softball fields. We can expect around 650 families attending this tournament.

Escondido Research and Technology Center – East (ERTC) (Developer: James McCann) – No change from the following update reported last week: This is a 72,000 square foot medical office building proposed on the east side of Citracado Parkway across from Palomar Medical Center located at 2130 Citracado Parkway. A grading permit has been issued by the Engineering Division. Building plans have been submitted for plan check. The applicant has recently requested to install a temporary paved parking lot in this area to serve the hospital. A grading plan for the temporary parking lot was approved June 13, 2016.

Escondido Research and Technology Center – West (ERTC) (Developer: James McCann) – No change from the following update reported last week: This is a 144,000 sq. ft. development involving two medical office buildings proposed on the west side of Citracado Parkway across from Palomar Medical Center located at 2097 – 2175 Citracado Parkway. A grading permit has been issued by the Engineering Division. Esgil and the Planning Division have approved the building plans. A fee deferral agreement has been signed and the building permit was issued June 23, 2016. A tentative parcel map (TPM) for office condominiums is in process to allow the sale of individual office suites to medical providers. The Notice of Intended Decision for the condos has been mailed. The public review period ends July 11, 2016.

Centerpointe 78 Commercial (Developer: Lars Andersen, Pacific Development) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 45,650 sq. ft. supermarket and restaurant located at 925 N. Broadway. The project was approved by the City Council on December 9, 2015. Demolition of the former auto dealership building started on June 20, 2016. The developer’s submittal of grading and building plans is expected soon.

Westfield Theater (Developer: Kim Brewer, Westfield) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 10-auditorium movie theater totaling 57,600 sq. ft. located on the north side of the Westfield Mall. The project was approved by the City Council on November 4, 2015.

Felicita Development, LLC (Developer: Katherine Park, Creative Design Associates) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 140-unit hotel, and a gas station or office/residential care facility at the southeast corner of Felicita Rd. and Gamble Lane. The applicant and staff met with the architect to discuss building elevations, 5-story height limitations and site design issues given the existing wetland constraints on the property. Additional technical analysis and coordination is needed to address traffic, biology, water and sewer service, geotechnical and storm water concerns, along with a market study for the proposed uses. The applicant met with the wild life agencies and is responding to technical studies needed to complete the application. Tribal consultations are underway.

Springhill Suites (Developer: Raj Patel, San Bernardino Hospitality LLC) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 105-suite hotel totaling 73,300 sq. ft. located at 200 La Terraza Drive involving 4 stories, a small conference room and an enlarged lobby for serving continental breakfast. A revised set of grading plans have been approved and grading has begun for the parking lot on the adjacent office property which shares a driveway access. Landscaping plans were submitted for review, and department comments are being finalized. Building plans are nearing approval for construction.

BMW Dealership (Developer: Lyle Hutson) – No change from the following update reported last week: A Precise Plan application to expand the existing dealership showroom an additional approximately 4,000 square feet and enhance the building façade at 1557 Auto Park Way was approved by the Planning Commission on October 13, 2015. The project is under construction.

Escondido Auto Park Association (Developer: Tim Brecht, Escondido Auto Park Association) – The association is proposing to upgrade the existing electronic message sign along I-15. An application for a new regional market sign and an amendment to the Sign Ordinance to increase the allowable display area for a regional market sign was submitted to the Planning Division on May 6, 2016. The proposed sign would be located in the same location as the existing sign at a slightly lower height (73.5 feet) with approximately the same overall dimensions. Planning has developed language for the proposed amendment to the City’s Sign Ordinance. The Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for July 12, 2016 and will be followed by a City Council hearing in August.

Ford-Hyundai Dealership Expansion (Developer: Neil E. Sander, Dynamic Engineering) – No change from the following update reported last week: An expansion involving approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of showroom buildings and 6,700 sq. ft. wash/detail building at 1717-1919 Auto Park Way was approved by the Planning Commission on June 23, 2015. Grading has commenced, the sign plans have been approved, and the building permit for the Ford dealership has been issued.

Trafalgar Square – Aldi Market (Developer: Charlie Mallon) – No change from the following update reported last week: This renovation of the Trafalgar Square shopping center includes demolition of the northern shop building and the northern portion of the western building to prepare a site for the construction of an 18,088 square foot, freestanding building for Aldi Market (1330 East Valley Parkway) . The plot plan was approved by the Planning Division in June of 2015. Grading and landscape plans have also been approved and grading has commenced on the site. Issuance of the building permit has been withheld pending FEMA approval of a conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR) for the grading design that elevates the building above the flood limits for the adjacent Escondido Creek. FEMA approval was received on May 4, 2016, and all city departments have now authorized issuance of the building permit. A Building permit was issued on June 22, 2016.

Industrial

Escondido Disposal Inc. (Developer: Steve South, EDI) – No change from the following update reported last week: The CUP modification to expand the existing facility was approved by the Planning Commission on August 25, 2015. The project is under construction and the applicant now is working with Building, Fire and Engineering staff on proposed site and building revisions. Revisions to the grading plan have been approved by Engineering.

StorQuest (Developer: The William Warren Group, Inc.) – This proposed project at 220 W. Mission Avenue involves a 102,500 sq. ft. self-storage facility development with 4-stories, 3 in-line shops and a small office. The applicant has been working with staff to facilitate safe access while preserving left turn movements into the one-way driveway proposed for the site. Planning staff is preparing to issue the MND for public review soon. A Planning Commission hearing is anticipated to occur in August 2016.

Victory Industrial Development (Developer: Scott Merry, Badiee Development) – No change from the following update reported last week. This project involves two industrial buildings totaling 91,000 sq. ft. (one building 55,500 sq. ft., second building 35,500 sq. ft.) located at 2005 Harmony Grove Road and a zone change from residential to Planned Industrial consistent with the updated General Plan. Design review has been completed and the project is progressing through the environmental review phase. Public review of the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration started on June 22, 2016.

Micro-Filtration Reverse Osmosis (Developer: City of Escondido Utilities Department) – No change from the following update reported last week. The proposed project involves a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the development of a new city facility to provide advanced treatment for Title 22 quality recycled water produced at the City of Escondido’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF) for agricultural uses. The facility would be sized for a total production capacity of 2.0 million gallons per day (mgd) and consists of two separate buildings (one building 14,440 sq. ft., second building 21,775 sq. ft.) that would contain a variety of equipment, pumps, electrical, control and storage rooms. Underground storage tanks (90,000 gallon feed tank, 163,000 gallon inter-process tank, and a 970,000 gallon product storage tank) are also included. Public environmental review commenced concluded on April 6, 2016. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the proposed Conditional Use Permit on April 26, 2016. The Utilities Department filed an appeal of that decision with the City Clerk. On May 25, 2016, the City Council voted to delay the appeal hearing indefinitely to allow staff additional time to consider alternative site and mitigation opportunities.

Wastewater Collections Yard Expansion (Developer: City of Escondido Utilities Department) – No change from the following update reported last week: The project involves development of 1.8 acres of a larger, approximately 15.4-acre site for the construction of a new wastewater collections yard and maintenance facility for the City’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF) at 1521 S. Hale Avenue. The proposed facilities will consist of three separate pre-fabricated metal buildings 3,735 sq. ft. - 5,670 sq. ft. for collections; work bays and workshops for regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment. The project would require the processing of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and rezone. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval on May 10, 2016. It was approved by the City Council on June 15, 2016.

Escondido Self-Storage Facility (Developer: Anna-Lisa Armanino, Brandywine Homes, Inc.) – No change from the following update reported last week: A modification to a Master and Precise Development Plan for revisions to the design of a previously approved, but not yet constructed, self-storage facility with direct access to Brotherton Road near the intersection with Cranston Drive. The proposed project was submitted on May 11, 2016, and is currently being reviewed by Planning, Engineering, Fire and Utilities staff. The project proposes approximately 77,500 SF of storage area in two buildings. The larger building is two stories over a basement with all interior loading. The smaller building is one-story with some exterior roll-up doors. The project site is also part of a five-lot Tentative Map for four residential lots and one commercial lot (Tract 900) that is concurrently being processed for an extension of time. Staff met with developer to discuss project design and technical studies needed for the update of the previous environmental review.

Institutional

John Paul the Great Catholic University (Developer: Kevin Meziere, John Paul the Great Catholic University) – No change from the following update reported last week: A Conditional Use Permit to expand the campus and student enrollment at 155 W. Grand Avenue was approved by the Planning Commission on December 8, 2015. The proposal includes improvements to the former H. Johnson Building at 131 S. Broadway for studio and classroom space, and the former bank at 200 W. Grand Avenue for administrative offices and a student resource center. The proposed expansion would also increase the student enrollment from 300 to 1,200 students over the next several years. Staff met with the applicant regarding structural design issues and architectural modifications related to un-reinforced masonry construction.

Calvin Christian Middle/High School (Developer: Brent Cooper) – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is an expansion involving a 15,500 SF auditorium, multi-use conference center, classrooms, terraces and walkways located at 2000 N. Broadway. The grading plans have been approved and a building permit was issued on April 11, 2016. Construction is underway.

Escondido United Reformed Church (Developer: Brent Cooper) – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is an expansion for a phased, multi-year, master construction/development plan for a new 12,250 SF two-story sanctuary, conversion of existing buildings to a social hall, demolition of an existing social hall/classroom building (approx. 4,620 SF) and construction of approximately 5,250 SF for a nursery, multi-purpose room, classrooms for Sunday school at 1864 N. Broadway. Revised architectural plans were unanimously approved by the Planning Commission on June 14, 2016.

Residential

Oak Creek (Developer: Jason Han, New Urban West) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 65-unit single family development located at the southeastern corner of Felicita Road and Hamilton Lane approved by the City Council in 2015. The LAFCO Board unanimously approved the annexation on October 5, 2015, and the annexation has been recorded. No grading or improvement plans have been submitted by the developer at this time.

Amanda Estates (Developer: Jason Han, New Urban West) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 22-unit single family development on Amanda Lane approved by the City Council in 2015. The LAFCO Board approved the reorganization (annexation) at their meeting on August 3, 2015, and the annexation has been recorded. No grading or improvement plans have been submitted by the developer at this time.

Pradera (Developer: Moses Kim, Lennar Homes) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project consists of a 70-unit single family development located at the northeastern corner of Ash Street and Lehner Avenue. The developer has obtained building permits for four phases involving 36 homes and those phases are under construction. Homebuyer interest in the product remains high and sales are progressing. The last two final maps for the project (Streets A and B) were approved by the City Council on June 15, 2016.

Lexington (Zenner) (Developer: Eric Johnston, KB Homes) - No change from the following update reported last week: The project is a 40-unit, single-family development at the northeastern corner of Lehner Avenue and Vista Avenue.The applicant has submitted the final map, improvement plans and grading plans for staff review and approval. Engineering staff is working with the applicant to address storm drain issues. The grading and building permits for the three model homes on the eastern side of Ash Street have been issued and construction is underway.

Stella Park Condominiums (Developer: Edward Kaen, ETP, LLC) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 65-unit, three-story townhome Planned Development located at 2516 S. Escondido Blvd. The project includes three separate recreation areas for residents. The City Council approved the project on April 27, 2016. No grading or improvement plans have been submitted by the developer at this time.

Wohlford (Developer: Jack Henthorne) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 55-unit single family development located on Bear Valley Parkway east of Encino Drive. A Specific Alignment Plan for Bear Valley Parkway detailing the proposed roadway design is under review. The EIR consultant and staff have reviewed the applicant’s technical reports and provided comments for revisions. Bi-weekly status meetings have commenced as the Draft EIR gets underway.

Latitude II (Developer: Peter Zak, Lyon/NCA) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 112-unit multi-family development, located at the northeastern corner of Centre City Parkway and Washington Avenue, and approved by the City Council on August 19, 2015. A Final Subdivision Map has been submitted for review. The applicant has submitted a boundary adjustment for a property exchange with the adjacent motel owner. Grading and building plans are nearing approval.

Canyon Grove Estates Tract 932 (Developer: John Vance, Shea Homes) - This project is a 179-lot single family residential development on the north side of Vista Avenue east of Conway Drive. The final architectural design and landscaping plans for the Precise Plan application were approved by the Planning Commission on June 14, 2016. A rough grading permit has been issued and grading is underway. Building plans for the construction of eight model homes were submitted on May 18 and are being reviewed by staff. Precise grading plans for the model complex were submitted on June 24. The applicant is coordinating the plan review for off-site street improvements on Ash Street with the County’s Department of Public Works.

Safari Highlands (Developer: Jeb Hall, Concordia Homes) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 550-unit single family development located east of the Rancho San Pasqual community and north of the San Diego Safari Park. The project involves 1,100 acres including annexation and Sphere of Influence update for a master planned community with parks, trails, recreation center, fire station, open space, on-site sewer facility for treating a portion of the on-site wastewater for irrigation purposes. Planning and Engineering extensions of staff have been funded by the applicant and retained to assist the City in processing the project. Staff met with a representative of the Fish and Wildlife Department to discuss the project. Other outreach efforts have included City of San Diego, San Diego Zoo Safari Park representatives, public agencies and surrounding residents. The City Council approved the consultant contract for preparing the EIR on March 23, 2016. The consultant, Michael Baker International (MBI), has now been authorized to start work on the EIR. The contract planner has been meeting with MBI on sections of the first drafts of the EIR Project Description. The developer is working with various City staff on possible changes to the Project Description including changes to the proposed water factory, public park, entry road and fire station. These issues are expected to be resolved by July. Other EIR draft sections will be sent to the City for review in July as well. More information about this project is on line at: http://www.escondido.org/safari-highlands-ranch-specific-plan.aspx

High Pointe Tract 693-J (Developer: Russell Schaeffer, True Life Communities) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a custom-home development with 39 estate lots accessed from Mesa Rock Road. Staff has prepared a bond and fee letter based on the proposed grading and landscape plans, and has sent it to the applicant.

Del Prado (Developer: Kerry Garza, Touchstone Communities) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 113-unit townhome-style Planned Development located at the southwestern corner of Brotherton Road and the Centre City Parkway frontage road. The project includes a recreational facility, pool, and open space areas. Staff worked through various site design and utility issues with the applicant prior to scheduling the project for a public hearing. The City Council approved the project on May 11, 2016. No grading or improvement plans have been submitted by the developer at this time.

Solutions for Change (Developer: Solutions for Change) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a Planned Development application for 33 multi-family units of affordable housing. It was approved by the City Council on November 18, 2015. Building plans have been approved and the building permit has been issued. A Groundbreaking event was held June 28, 2016.

701 San Pasqual Valley Rd (Developer: Bob Stewart) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 19-unit single family development located at 701 San Pasqual Rd/1201 E. 5th Avenue (formerly Tract 898) on 7.2 acres. The application is under review and a letter detailing additional comments and submittal requirements was forwarded to the applicant. Additional information and revised plans were submitted to the Planning Division on June 13, 2016.

Veterans Village (Developer: Veterans Village of San Diego) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a mixed-use development involving a 54-unit affordable multi-family residential apartment project for military veterans and their families. It includes on-site administration office, business center, club house and other support spaces for the residents; and a small commercial component to support training opportunities offered at the facility at 1556 S. Escondido Boulevard. Building plans have been submitted for review and comment; the grading plans and landscaping plans have been approved.

Escondido Gateway (Developer: Greg Waite, Integral Communities) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a mixed-use development involving 126 residential units within three, 4-5 story buildings with indoor and outdoor recreational areas and an opportunity for a small (1,000 sq. ft.) commercial/flex space on 2.6 acres (48 dwelling units/acre) located at 700 W. Grand Avenue (former Police Station) across the street from the Escondido Transit Center. Plans were submitted for the project involving a Specific Plan Amendment, Tentative Map, Planned Development and Development Agreement. The Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration has been issued and a 20-day public review period started on June 22, 2016.

City Plaza (Developer: Charlie Zhang, Zion Enterprises) – This long-dormant, partially constructed mixed-use development at the southeastern corner of South Escondido Boulevard and Third Avenue now has new ownership. The new owners have met with city staff and indicated they quickly plan to start constructing the 65-unit apartment project as originally approved. The project consists of a three-story building with 51,200 SF of residential area and 4,100 SF of commercial area and two levels of parking. The building permits will need to be reissued and the applicant is coordinating that process with the Building Official. Structural engineering information was submitted to the Building Division on May 8. The Building Division is ready to reinstate the previous building permit once the developer pays the fees due.

Building Division:

The Building Division issued 76 permits for the week with a total valuation of $853,579.

20 photovoltaic permits were issued for the week. The Building Division has issued 675 solar permits this year compared to 547 issued for the same time last year.

The Building Division staff had another busy week. Inspectors averaged 33 inspections per day with 55 inspections on Monday and 28 inspections on Friday. Our building counter staff was also busy, averaging 32 counter sign in’s per day and 29 on Friday.

The Building Division has issued 47 single family dwelling permits this year with valuations of $15,079,199 compared to 11 permits issued with valuations of $2,218,379 for the same time last year.

The Building Division has processed 1,839 projects to date compared with 1,550 for the same time last year. Total project valuations for issued permits this year is $33,252,000 compared with $20,720,000 same time last year.

Permits were issued for an emergency demolition permit at 559 N Hale, the former meat packing plant that sustained extensive fire damage last week. Demolition started on July 5.

Permits were issued for a new single family dwelling at 930 W 2nd

Plans were submitted for a new single family dwelling at 2401 Amber Ln.

Code Enforcement:

As of July 4, 2016, the total number of open code enforcement cases is 422 cases. During the prior week, 73 new cases were opened, and 55 cases were closed, with a backlog of an additional 19 cases not yet opened for assignment and investigation.

There were 4 illegal signs confiscated during the weekend.

Last week, the Business License Division issued 24 new licenses and received 40 new applications, in addition to 231 renewals.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Grape Day Park Playground:The project is under construction with landscaping continuing. The remainder of the new playground equipment is expected to be delivered this week.

2015/2016 Street Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project:The preconstruction meeting is scheduled for July 11, 2016, with Notice to Proceed set for July 18th. The contract calls for Seventy (70) days for construction to be completed. The inspection team is marking limits of removals as well as concrete surface improvements this week.

Boys and Girls Club Lefty Mitchell Tee Ball Field:The last remaining items are near completion for the dedication ceremony set for Saturday, July 9th, 2016.

Private Development

Bear Valley Parkway between Boyle Avenue and San Pasqual Valley Road (County Project): No changes from the following update reported last week: Landscape soil amendment has started, planting is ongoing and is set to be completed by the first week of July. Birch Avenue is still closed at Bear Valley Parkway for East/West travel. The traffic signal for the Boyle Avenue intersection has been installed with activation is set for the first week in July.

2412 South Escondido Boulevard:The contractor completed the resealing of Escondido Boulevard along the project frontage, striping of the new lane alignments should be installed later this week. This project is nearing completion with the first of three building released for occupancy.

Pradera - Lennar Communities:E Street- Completing model on lot 3D Street- phase one has a new property owner moving inC Street- phase 3 framing homes, phase 4 pouring house slabs this weekB Street- testing of the water mains has started this weekA Street- Sewer main installation complete, starting the installation of new water main later this week.

Lexington Model Homes - KB Homes:The Contractor has started framing operation on the three models. Offsite improvements have been started along Ash Street between Vista Avenue and Lehner Avenue. The north bound travel lane will continue to be closed. Detour signs and electronic message boards are in place to aid the local residences that are effected by the closure.

Rincon del Diablo 8” & 12” Water Main Construction:No changes from the following update reported last week: The contractor has completed all surface restoration along the project route. The section of new water main in the City’s jurisdiction has been accepted and put into service, the testing of the remaining water main is continuing this week.

Tract 932 - Canyon Grove Shea Homes Community:The contractor is continuing the mass grading for the pads. Storm drain pipe along with storm drain curb inlets are being constructed on site. Work has begun for the offsite improvements along Ash Street between Vista Avenue and Hubbard Avenue. The contractor is starting demolition of the public improvements at the Ash Street /Vista Avenue intersection. Partial roadway lane closure will be in place on this section of roadway. The coordination of the developers is being monitored to insure public safety and access is provided. Partial closure are approved for this work during the summer recess for school which return to fall sessions on August 29th.

San Diego Gas & Electric gas main replacement Ash Street:Permanent road surface repairs was started on July 5th, 2016 and completion of the project is expected very soon.

HSIP Traffic Signals at El Norte Pkwy/Fig and E. Valley Pkwy/Date:Project plans are complete, and staff continues to prepare Authorization to Construct Documentation for submittal to Caltrans for review and approval.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police

Incidents

On 6/26/2016, three males attempted to rob a person at knifepoint in the 700 block of W. Valley Pkwy. All three suspects fled the area on foot. Officer Banks located the three suspects walking on Quince St., just south of Second Ave. One suspect gave up right away and the other two fled. The two that fled were taken into custody a short distance away. All three suspects were booked into Juvenile Hall.

On 6/27/2016, officers responded to the area of 2100 E. Mission Ave. reference a person with a warrant. The reporting party advised that a family member was at the residence and had a warrant issued for his arrest. As the officers were getting ready to contact the suspect, he fled out of the back of the residence. Officer Smyth took the suspect into custody. The suspect was booked into Juvenile Hall for the warrant.

On 6/28/2016, officers were dispatched to a business for an audible alarm. The officers found an unsecured door and searched the premises. During the search, officers located a Butane Honey Oil laboratory. The Narcotics Task Force responded to take over the investigation and to properly dispose of the lab. The investigation is ongoing.

On 6/29/2016, officers responded the 1800 block of N. Broadway regarding a fight. Officers arrived on scene and were flagged down by a victim who stated that he was involved in a verbal argument with a subject he knew from high school. During the argument the suspect threw a large chunk of concrete through driver’s side window, hitting the victim in the shoulder and ribs. The suspect was not located. The investigation is ongoing.

On 7/01/2016, Officer Lunt located a stolen vehicle in the area of E. Valley Pkwy and Midway St. All of the occupants of the vehicle were cooperative and taken into custody without incident. The driver was booked into the Vista Detention Facility for possession of a stolen vehicle.

On 7/1/2016, officers responded to the 76 gas station in the 700 block of N. Escondido Blvd. reference a theft in progress. Officers arrived on scene and detained three suspects. Gas station video captured the three suspects tampering with a gas pump. It was determined the suspect broke into the gas pump and were either installing or removing a device which attaches to the pump’s card readers in order to steal credit card information, referred to as a “skimmer.” The suspects were in possession of numerous burglary tools and equipment. All three suspects were arrested and charged with burglary and conspiracy.

Neighborhood Transformation Project

On July 17th, the Neighborhood Transformation Project will move to West Escondido. The boundaries of this project will be:

5th Avenue to the North

9th Avenue to the South

Centre City Pkwy. to the East

Tulip Street to the West

A door to door survey will be conducted in the next few weeks in an attempt to determine the issues of greatest concern to the neighborhood. The survey will be followed by a neighborhood meeting to explain the project to the community and ask for their support. The meeting will most likely take place in late August.